The Chicago cocktail is one of the oldest mixed drinks still in use nowadays. It has a long history and its origins are lost in time. We can only assume that it got its name after the city of Chicago, but we can’t be sure. What we know for a fact is that it was mentioned in cocktail books ever since the 19th century. It was also mentioned in the 30s by a famous restaurant critic who claims that the Chicago cocktail was also served in Europe in places like the American Bar in Nice or the American Embassy in London.
The Chicago cocktail is a brandy based cocktail. Its flavor is enhanced by the use of triple sec and bitter. All the aromas blend together and create a unique and warm combination. A variation in which the classic cocktail is topped with champagne is also very popular. You can decide for yourself if you like the bubbly addition or not. It also became popular to rim the margins of the glass with sugar. The Chicago cocktail can be served in a multitude of glasses. The champagne version calls for a champagne flute. The classic version looks better in an old-fashioned glass, on the rocks.
The Chicago Cocktail Recipe
For one serving size, you are going to need:
- 2 oz. of brandy
- 1 dash of angostura bitters
- 1 dash of Cointreau
- Sugar for garnish
- Ice.
If you prefer the version with champagne, you can also buy a bottle of this drink or you can use sparkling white wine instead.
Start with preparing the glass by rubbing its edge with a slice of lemon and dipping it in sugar. Use superfine sugar for best results.
You will also need a mixing glass for combining the ingredients. Put the brandy, the bitter and the Cointreau in the mixing glass and add the ice. Stir them well and strain them in the cocktail glass. Some variations of the Chicago cocktail don’t require straining, so you can do as you wish.
If you want to top everything up with champagne, rim the margin of a champagne flute with sugar. Mix and stir the ingredients in the same manner, but put them in the flute and add the champagne or the sparkling white wine.
That’s it. In only a few minutes you can enjoy one of the oldest cocktails in history.